Laparoscopic liver resection using radiofrequency coagulation

Intratumoral coagulation by radiofrequency ablation facilitated the laparoscopic resection of giant hepatic hemangioma: a surgical technique report of two cases

Background

Traditionally, open hepatic resection is the first choice of treatment for symptomatic enlarging hepatic hemangiomas, which requires a large abdominal incision and is associated with substantial recovery time and morbidity. Minimally invasive laparoscopic resection has been used recently in liver surgery for treating selected hepatic hemangiomas. However, laparoscopic liver surgery poses the significant technical challenges and high rate of conversion. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation has been proved feasible in the treatment of hepatic hemangiomas with a size range of 5.0-9.9 cm. It is controversial to treat giant hepatic hemangiomas (≥10.0 cm) by means of RF ablation, due to the low technique success rate and high incidence of ablation-related complications. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of combined laparoscopic resection with intratumoral RF-induced coagulation for giant hepatic hemangiomas.

Methods

We treated 2 patients with giant subcapsular hepatic hemangioma (12.0 cm and 13.1 cm in diameters respectively) by laparoscopic resection following intratumoral coagulation of the tumor with RF ablation.

Results

Blood loss during resection was 100 ml (case 1) and 300ml (case 2) respectively. No blood transfusion and dialysis were needed during perioperative period. The two patients were discharged 6 days (case 1) and 12 days (case 2) after surgery without any complications, respectively. Postoperative contrast-enhanced CT follow up showed there was no residual tumor.

Conclusions

It is feasible to treat giant subcapsular hepatic hemangioma by laparoscopic tumor resection boosted by intratumoral coagulation using RF ablation, which may open a new avenue for treating giant hemangioma.

A systematic review on radiofrequency assisted laparoscopic liver resection: Challenges and window to excel

Laparoscopic liver resection has progressively gained acceptance as a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of benign and malignant liver neoplasms. However, blood loss remains the major challenge in liver surgery. Several techniques and devices have been introduced in liver surgery in order to minimize intraoperative haemorrhage during parenchymal transection. Radiofrequency (RF)-assisted liver resection has been shown to be an effective method to minimize bleeding in open and laparoscopic liver resection. A number of RF devices for parenchymal transection have been designed to assist laparoscopic liver resections. Here we have reviewed the results of various RF devices in laparoscopic liver resection. A total 15 article were considered relevant for the evaluation of technical aspects and outcomes of RF-assisted liver resections in laparoscopic procedures. In these studies, 176 patients had laparoscopic liver resection using RF-assisted parenchymal coagulation. Two monopolar and three bipolar devices were employed. Blood loss was limited in most of the studies. The need of blood transfusions was limited to two cases in all the series. Conversion was necessary due to bleeding in 3 cases. Operative and transection times varied between studies. However, RF-assisted resection with bipolar devices appeared to have taken less time in comparison to other RF devices. RF-related complications were minimum, and only one case of in-hospital death due to hepatic failure was reported. Although RF has been used in a small minority of laparoscopic liver resections, laparoscopic RF-assisted liver resection for benign and malignant disease is a safe and feasible procedure associated with reduction in blood loss, low morbidity, and lower hospital mortality rates.

Comparative Short-term Benefits of Laparoscopic Liver Resection: 9000 Cases and Climbing

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of worldwide literature on laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) and compare short-term outcomes against open liver resections (OLR) by meta-analyses.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

There are no updated pooled data since 2009 about the current status and short-term outcomes of LLR worldwide.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All English language publications on LLR were screened. Descriptive worldwide data and short-term outcomes were obtained. Separate analyses were performed for minor-only and major-only resection series, and series in which minor/major resections were not differentiated. Apparent case duplications were excluded.

RESULTS

A set of 463 published manuscripts were reviewed. One hundred seventy-nine single-center series were identified that accounted for 9527 LLR cases worldwide. Minor-only, major-only, and combined major-minor series were 61, 18, and 100, respectively, including 32, 8, and 43 comparative series, respectively. Of the total 9527 LLR cases reported, 6190 (65%) were for malignancy and 3337 (35%) were for benign indications. There were 37 deaths reported (mortality rate = 0.4%). From the meta-analysis comparing case-matched LLR to OLR (N = 2900 cases), there was no increased mortality and significantly less complications, transfusions, blood loss, and hospital stay observed in LLR vs OLR.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest review of LLR available to date with over 9000 cases published. It confirms growing safety when performed in selected patients and by trained surgeons, and suggests that LLR may offer improved patient short-term outcomes compared with OLR. Improved levels of evidence, standardized reporting of outcomes, and assuring proper training are the next challenges of laparoscopic liver surgery.

Expert opinion on advanced techniques for hemostasis in liver surgery

BACKGROUND

Reduction of perioperative blood loss and intraoperative transfusion are two major factors associated with improving outcomes in liver surgery. There is currently no consensus as to the best technique to achieve this.

METHODS

An international Panel of Experts (EP), made up of hepatobiliary surgeons from well-known high-volume centres was assembled to share their experience with regard to the management of blood loss during liver resection surgery. The process included: a review of the current literature by the panel, a face-to-face meeting and an on-line survey completed by the EP prior to and following the face-to-face meeting, based on predetermined case scenarios. During the meeting the most frequently researched surgical techniques were appraised by the EP in terms of intraoperative blood loss.

RESULTS

All EP members agreed that high quality research on the subject was lacking. Following an agreed risk stratification algorithm, the EP concurred with the existing research that a haemostatic device should always be used along with any user preferred surgical instrumentation in both open and laparoscopic liver resection procedures, independently from stratification of bleeding risk. The combined use of Ultrasonic Dissector (UD) and saline-coupled bipolar sealing device (Aquamantys(®)) was the EP preferred technique for both open and laparoscopic surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This EP propose the use of a bipolar sealer and UD for the best resection technique and essential equipment to minimise blood loss during liver surgery, stratified according to transfusion risk, in both open and laparoscopic liver resection.

What kind of energy devices should be used for laparoscopic liver resection? Recommendations from a systematic review

Transection methods and hemostasis achievement have an impact on blood loss, and consequently on outcome and survival. However, no consensus exists on parenchymal transection or hemostasis techniques in laparoscopic liver resection (LLR). The aim of this review is to clarify the role of energy devices (ED) in LLR. ED is a generator of mechanic or electric energy transfer to an operating tool, used for transection, sealing or both. Searches were performed in PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane, Embase, Google Scholar in human or animal experimental models. Each study quality was graded following the GRADE system. From 1996 to 2014, 30 studies were found: five comparative, one prospective, two case-control, and 16 case series and some case reports, with level of evidence ranging from Moderate to Very Low. Since 2012, the Research and Development of new tools raised quicker than clinical studies could follow. The two main techniques emerged are blind transection versus sharp dissection: due to the low quality and heterogeneity of the studies, no firm conclusion can be drawn, but meticulous dissection of vessels usually never leads to vascular damage. As a matter of fact, ED, though efficient and reliable, cannot replace the basic skills of hepatic surgery: sharp dissection, vascular control and elective sealing.

Laparoscopic liver resection for malignancy: A review of the literature

AIM: To review the published literature about laparoscopic liver resection for malignancy.

METHODS: A PubMed search was performed for original published studies until June 2013 and original series containing at least 30 patients were reviewed.

RESULTS: All forms of hepatic resections have been described ranging from simple wedge resections to extended right or left hepatectomies. The usual approach is pure laparoscopic, but hand-assisted, as well as robotic approaches have been described. Most studies showed comparable results to open resection in terms of operative blood loss, postoperative morbidity and mortality. Many of them showed decreased postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and even lower costs. Oncological results including resection margin status and long-term survival were not inferior to open resection.

CONCLUSION: In the hands of experienced surgeons, laparoscopic liver resection for malignant lesions is safe and offers some short-term advantages over open resection. Oncologically, similar survival rates have been observed in patients treated with the laparoscopic approach when compared to their open resection counterparts.

Radiofrequency energy in surgery: state of the art

Over a period of more than 100 years, radiofrequency energy has been introduced in many fields and applications in medicine. At present, radiofrequency constitutes the basis of numerous medical devices employed in almost all medical specialties. It is particularly applicable and valuable in various minimally invasive procedures for its locally focused effects. Radiofrequency energy is a technical term established to describe high-frequency alternating electrical currents (with a frequency ranging from 300 kHz to 3 MHz) and their impact on biological tissue. The application of RF energy causes controlled tissue heating with consequent cell protein denaturation and desiccation, which leads to cell death and tissue destruction. The primary principle of radiofrequency is that the generated heat can be used to cut, coagulate or induce metabolic processes in the target tissue. The authors of this paper offer a comprehensive and compact review of the definition, history, physics, biological principles and applications of radiofrequency energy in current surgery.

Common uses and cited complications of energy in surgery

BACKGROUND

Instruments that apply energy to cut, coagulate, and dissect tissue with minimal bleeding facilitate surgery. The improper use of energy devices may increase patient morbidity and mortality. The current article reviews various energy sources in terms of their common uses and safe practices.

METHODS

For the purpose of this review, a general search was conducted through NCBI, SpringerLink, and Google. Articles describing laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgeries using single or multiple energy sources are considered, as are articles comparing various commercial energy devices in laboratory settings. Keywords, such as laparoscopy, energy, laser, electrosurgery, monopolar, bipolar, harmonic, ultrasonic, cryosurgery, argon beam, laser, complications, and death were used in the search.

RESULTS

A review of the literature shows that the performance of the energy devices depends upon the type of procedure. There is no consensus as to which device is optimal for a given procedure. The technical skill level of the surgeon and the knowledge about the devices are both important factors in deciding safe outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

As new energy devices enter the market increases, surgeons should be aware of their indicated use in laparoscopic, endoscopic, and open surgery.

Has laparoscopy increased surgical indications for benign tumors of the liver?

BACKGROUND

We aimed to analyze the risk of an increased surgical indication rate in patients with benign tumors of the liver since the development of laparoscopy. Previous articles have reported increased numbers of laparoscopic procedures in different surgical fields.

METHODS

A literature search of MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, and The Cochrane Library was carried out. All articles that analyzed benign liver tumors (hemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia, and adenoma) were divided in two groups: group I included all manuscripts with open procedures between 1971 at 1990, and group II included all manuscripts with open or laparoscopic procedures between 1991 and 2010. Group II articles were divided into two subgroups. Subgroup IIA patients were treated by open or laparoscopic procedures between 1991 and 2000, and subgroup IIB patients were treated by open or laparoscopic procedures between 2001 and 2010.

RESULTS

Specific analysis of each kind of tumor observed in the two groups showed fewer surgically treated patients for hepatic hemangioma and hepatic adenoma in group II compared with group I and a greater number of patients for focal nodular hyperplasia. Fewer patients were treated with laparoscopic procedures in subgroup IIA than in subgroup IIB. A chi-square test with Yates' correction gave a P value of <0.001.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy has increased the rate of hepatic resection for benign tumors with doubtful indications.

Malignant transformation of hepatocellular adenomas into hepatocellular carcinomas: a systematic review including more than 1600 adenoma cases

BACKGROUND

Malignant transformation of hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) into hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) has been reported repeatedly and is considered to be one of the main reasons for surgical treatment. However, its actual risk is currently unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an estimation of the frequency of malignant transformation of HCAs and to discuss its clinical implications.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using the following databases: The Cochrane Hepatobiliary Group Controlled Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-seven relevant series and 17 case reports (a total of 1635 HCAs) were retrieved, reporting an overall frequency of malignant transformation of 4.2%. Only three cases (4.4%) of malignant alteration were reported in a tumour smaller than 5 cm in diameter.

DISCUSSION

Malignant transformation of HCAs into HCCs remains a rare phenomenon with a reported frequency of 4.2%. A better selection of exactly those patients presenting with an HCA with an amplified risk of malignant degeneration is advocated in order to reduce the number of liver resections and thus reducing the operative risk for these predominantly young patients. The Bordeaux adenoma tumour markers are a promising method of identifying these high-risk adenomas.

Standardization of basic skills for laparoscopic liver surgery towards laparoscopic donor hepatectomy

INTRODUCTION

We have accumulated over 170 patients since 1995 who underwent laparoscopic partial liver resection, laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy, and laparoscopy-assisted hepatectomy. Bleeding control, which is a basic element of liver resection, needs to be better managed by methods suitable for safer laparoscopic liver resection. The aim of this study was to standardize the basic skills and to establish safer techniques for laparoscopic liver surgery in order to perform safe laparoscopic donor hepatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed initial results from the viewpoint of operative techniques of laparoscopic liver resection in our series. Laparoscopic liver resections have been successfully performed by the application of automatic suturing devices and the radiofrequency method.

RESULTS

We have performed 105 laparoscopic partial liver resections, 26 laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomies, and 45 laparoscopy-assisted major hepatectomies. A total of 176 patients underwent minimally invasive liver resections.

CONCLUSION

For safer laparoscopic liver resection, efficient bleeding control techniques, such as radiofrequency pre-coagulation and the liver hanging maneuver, are needed during parenchymal transection of the liver. Laparoscopy-assisted donor hepatectomy can be safely performed without increasing operative risks with mini-laparotomy.

A series of laparoscopic liver resections with or without HALS in patients with hepatic tumors

BACKGROUND

Differences were compared between laparoscopic surgery with and without hand-assisted laparoscopic technique (HALS) in order to assess whether HALS is a safe and feasible alternative to laparotomy and to determine what factors contributed to successful laparoscopic liver surgery.

METHOD

From a total of 416 liver resections, 45 patients with 46 hepatic tumors were chosen for laparoscopic liver resection with or without a hand-assisted technique. For each patient, her/his surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, tumor size and location, hospital stay after surgery, mortality, and morbidity were recorded for analysis.

RESULTS

The 45 surgical laparoscopic liver resections included 19 left lateral lobectomies, three hemihepatectomies, three segmentectomies, and 21 partial hepatectomies. A HALS was used more frequently in the right posterior group (14/16) than in the anterior group (6/29). There was no notable difference between these two groups in terms of tumor size, mean surgical time, blood loss during surgical procedure, hospital stay after surgery, and occurrence of complication.

CONCLUSION

Surgical results between HALS and non-HALS usage were similar except for higher blood loss with HALS, higher use of HALS when liver cirrhosis was present, and less likelihood of using HALS when there was a superficial location of the tumor or lesion.

Ten-year experience of totally laparoscopic liver resection in a single institution

BACKGROUND

Recent developments in liver surgery include the introduction of laparoscopic liver resection. The aim of the present study was to review a single institution's 10-year experience of totally laparoscopic liver resection (TLLR).

METHODS

Between May 1997 and April 2008, 82 patients underwent TLLR for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (37 patients), liver metastases (39) and benign liver lesions (six). Operations included 69 laparoscopic wedge resections, 11 laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomies and two thoracoscopic wedge resections. Nine patients underwent simultaneous laparoscopic resection of colorectal primary cancer and synchronous liver metastases.

RESULTS

Median operating time was 177 (range 70-430) min and blood loss 64 (range 1-917) ml. Median tumour size and surgical margin were 25 (range 15-85) and 6 (range 0-40) mm respectively. One procedure was converted to a laparoscopically assisted hepatectomy. Three patients developed complications. Median postoperative stay was 9 (range 3-37) days. The overall 5-year survival rate after surgery for HCC and colorectal metastases was 53 and 64 per cent respectively.

CONCLUSION

TLLR can be performed safely for a variety of primary and secondary liver tumours, and seems to offer at least short-term benefits in selected patients.

Laparoscopic liver resection for cancer

The field of laparoscopic liver resection surgery has rapidly evolved, with more than 1000 cases now reported. Laparoscopic hepatic resection was initially described for small, peripheral, benign lesions. Experienced teams are now performing laparoscopic anatomic resections for cancer. Operative times improved with experience. When compared with open cases, blood loss was less in most laparoscopic series, but was the main indication for conversion to an open procedure. Patients undergoing laparoscopic resection had shorter length of hospital stay and quicker recovery. Perioperative complications were comparable between the two approaches. Importantly, basic oncologic principles were maintained in the laparoscopic liver resections. The purpose of this review is to summarize the data available on outcomes for laparoscopic hepatic resection for cancer. This includes primary hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver. The evidence to date suggests that laparoscopic results are comparable with the open approach in cancer patients.

Laparoscopic versus open liver resection of hepatic neoplasms: comparative analysis of short-term results

BACKGROUND

Concerns have been raised regarding outcome after laparoscopic resection of hepatic neoplasms. This prospective study compared morbidity and adequacy of surgical margins in laparoscopic (LLR) versus open liver resection (OLR).

METHODS

Outcome in 359 consecutive patients [male/female ratio 187/172; median age 60 years (range 18-84 years)] who underwent partial hepatectomy was analysed. Cirrhosis was present in 32 patients and preoperative chemotherapy was administered in 141 patients. Comparative analyses were performed using propensity scores for all and for matched patients (n=76 per group).

RESULTS

Complications occurred in 68/250 (27.2%) patients after OLR and in 6/109 (5.5%) after LLR [odds ratio (OR) 0.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07-0.37; p<0.0001]. Median intraoperative blood loss was 500 ml (range 10-7,000 ml) in OLR and 100 ml (range 5-4,000 ml) in LLR (p<0.0001). Postoperative hospital stay was 8 days (range 0-155 days) after OLR and 6 days (range 0-41 days) after LLR (p<0.0001). In patients treated for liver malignancy, the surgical resection margin was positive on histopathological examination in 5/237 after OLR and in 1/77 after LLR. The magnitude of the resection margin was 7.5 mm (range 0-45 mm) in OLR and 10.0 mm (range 0-30 mm) in LLR (p=0.087).

CONCLUSIONS

LLR for hepatic neoplasms seems to be noninferior to OLR regarding adequacy of surgical margins, and superior to OLR regarding short-term postoperative outcome.

Completely Laparoscopic Nonanatomic Hepatic Resection Using Saline-Cooled Cautery and Hydrodissection

The technical aspects of laparoscopic hepatic resection have evolved rapidly. The key to any approach is establishing a reliable method to prevent or control hemorrhage during parenchymal transection. Although combining a hand-assist technique with laparoscopy allows improved control of bleeding risk, this requires the addition of a hand-port incision. The development of novel devices that can be used to safely divide liver parenchyma laparoscopically may lessen the need for hand-assist. Here, we report a series of laparoscopic hepatic resections that were attempted without the use of hand-assistance (completely laparoscopic). Resections were performed using saline-cooled cautery (Tissue-Link Endohook) and/or hydrodissection (Erbe Helix Hydrojet). Fifteen laparoscopic hepatic resections were attempted by a single surgeon from 2002 to 2006. In each case, a nonanatomic, completely laparoscopic approach was attempted. Patients with lesions at the hepatic dome or those requiring lobectomy or hilar dissection were excluded. Fourteen of 15 cases (93%) were accomplished completely laparoscopically, while one patient required placement of a hand port. Resected tumors averaged 3.9 cm diameter. There were no bile leaks and no patient required transfusion. Average length of stay was 4.1 days (range 1–5). Complications included ileus (1) and atrial fibrillation (1). In six patients with malignancies, margins were negative and there have been no local or port recurrences. This report demonstrates the feasibility of completely laparoscopic hepatic resection using novel devices for parenchymal transaction. Hand-assist techniques remain useful as a salvage strategy or for larger resections.

Laparoscopic intrahepatic Glissonian approach for right hepatectomy is safe, simple, and reproducible

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhage from portal and hepatic veins is a major concern with laparoscopic right hepatectomy (LRH). The standard hilar approach is dissection of the portal pedicle outside the liver parenchyma with separate transection of the right hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct. Variations in anatomy can hamper vascular and biliary control. The intrahepatic Glissonian access avoids these risks by en masse ligation of the portal structures without dissection for each separately. This technique was performed laparoscopically for the last 2 among 10 LRHs, and the results are presented.

METHODS

Total LRH was performed under ultrasound assistance for two patients with malignancy. After lymph node sampling at the hepatoduodenal ligament, dissection was started with the incision of liver parenchyma posterior and anterior to the hilum, then continued outside the portal pedicle bifurcation toward the right and left sheaths. An endoscopic vascular stapling device was placed to transect the right portal pedicle en masse under direct laparoscopic vision and cholangiography guidance. Parenchymal transection and vascular control of the right hepatic vein was accomplished with harmonic scalpel, cavitron ultrasonic aspirator, bipolar diathermy, clips, and endoscopic stapling device, as appropriate. No Pringle's maneuver was used. The specimen was extracted through a suprapubic incision using an endobag.

RESULTS

The operative times for the two patients were, respectively, 180 and 240 min. No blood loss occurred during the intrahepatic Glissonian dissection. Intraoperative blood loss (from the right hepatic vein) of 700 and 800 ml, respectively, was controlled laparoscopically. The postoperative periods were uneventful, with discharge, respectively, on days 6 and 7. The surgical resection margins were free of tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

The laparoscopic intrahepatic Glissonian approach used for right hepatectomy is safe, simple, and reproducible. It facilitates the hepatic hilar dissection with minimal operative risk. Further implementation of this technique is encouraged to improve the outcome for patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection.